OPEN PERIOD:

SERIES & GRADE:

POSITION INFORMATION:

DUTY LOCATIONS:

WHO MAY APPLY:

Any U.S. citizen may apply.

JOB SUMMARY:

Earth Day is every day at EPA! Come help us protect the environment! Our diverse workforce connects to more than just a career-we share a common passion to promote a cleaner, healthier environment. Discover how exciting safeguarding our natural resources and protecting human health can be. We consistently rank as one of the top Federal agencies in which to work, with great benefits and work flexibilities. Find yourself at EPA. See more about us here: http://www.epa.gov.

This position functions as the Director of Region 1’s Office of Ecosystem Protection (OEP). The Office is responsible for the protection of environmental resources and human health in an integrated and holistic manner. To accomplish this, the Office implements EPA’s Air, Water, Tribal, Climate, and Urban Community Programs.

The mission of this Office is to establish environmental standards and goals, and build state and community capacity for meeting them. The Office integrates programs such as air permitting, air toxics, indoor air, air quality, climate, municipal and community grants, water permits, water quality, surface water, wetlands, and drinking water in a way that reflects the connections among different environmental media. The Office uses measures of environmental health to evaluate the effectiveness of the region's efforts, and builds strong relationships with state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the public.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

You must be a U.S. citizen.

DUTIES:

1. Regional Leadership: Serves as a member of the Region 1 Leadership Team and fully supports its operating principles. Serves as a key advisor to the Regional Administrator and Deputy Regional Administrator on matters pertaining to its environmental programs. Serves as a key participant in Region 1’s strategic and operational planning activities, making determinations regarding key priority areas, investments and priorities. Implements the Agency’s strategic planning objectives as they relate to Office management. Fosters and instills an environmental ethic in staff for pollution prevention, effective resources protection, environmental justices to the Vision and Mission of EPA.

2. Program Planning: Accomplishes or directs planning and other related staff work involved in the review, development, and execution of new or modified rules, regulations, standards, policies, practices, projects and programs. Program planning is performed in order to achieve the best use of EPA and other state resources to obtain environmental results in the most efficient manner possible. Discusses the objectives of the Office programs with governmental officials as well as representatives of private industry, environmental organizations and the general public. Studies the general objectives that are required by legislation, the problems that may arise such as the cost of pollution control, economic effects, the background and purposes of the program, and the existing policies and laws pertaining to the program. Evaluates the situation by considering all of the economic growth, public acceptability and program cost. Collaborates with other key officials, in developing the plans and programs, both immediate and long range, to be formulated and carried out by the Region in cooperation with the states and localities in order to achieve the legal, regulatory and policy objectives of EPA.

3. Program Organization: Directs the actions involved in organizing the Office and in establishing procedures for carrying out its programs in coordinated fashion with EPA nationally and with the states. Receives input from the regional office of Administration and Resources Management and determines the allocation and utilization of resources, primarily analyzing the positions, staff, and money required to accomplish the program within the parameters established by legislation and Agency policy. Reviews the Offices organizational and functional assignments in terms of meeting program goals and objectives. Integrates the various programs into a viable overall program that balances program objectives with program realities, i.e., what should be done with what can be done. Collaborates with key EPA administration and technical staff. Recommends Regional and Agency policies in these areas and formulates the Regional strategy to support requests for staffing and financing needed to implement policy. Studies and evaluates the organization and operations of State agencies to assure that program objectives receive proper consideration and recommends change or improvements.

4. Program Direction: Directs the action involved in completing assigned projects, reducing paperwork, establishing priorities, and changing program emphasis. Directs the work of the following major components of the Office: Air (including climate) Water, Tribal, Grants, and Urban Community Programs; through program units that provide technical expertise to the states, tribes and others to implement federal programs as required by each programs’ mandate.

Establishes methods for communicating directions to subordinates and other staff. Makes decisions in the administration of work within broad regional policy areas and makes recommendations to the Regional Administrator only in those cases that deviate from established policies or involve new policy areas to assure compliance with governing legal requirements. Reviews reports and recommendations submitted by office supervisors and branch chiefs to determine the validity of recommendations and conclusions with respect to technical, economic and intergovernmental considerations, and for compliance with statutory, regulatory and other requirements. Reviews reports and recommendations submitted by office supervisors and branch chiefs to determine the validity of recommendations and conclusions with respect to technical, economic, and intergovernmental considerations, and for compliance with statutory, regulatory, and other requirements. Coordinates activities with appropriate federal, state, and municipal agencies.

5. Program Coordination: Directs the actions involved in coordinating the program with internal and external organizations, determining or recommending the compromises to be made, and maintaining effective relations with all interested groups. Establishes liaison with and meets with key officials of governments, private industry, professional groups, members of environmental organizations, and the general public to resolve environmental problems and advise and coordinate on all aspects of the programs in the office. Coordinates with the Office of Environmental Stewardship on compliance and enforcement related concerns and with the Office of Regional Counsel in connection with other legal matters. Coordinates with the Regional Administrator on specific problems which may arise, especially those of a precedent-setting or controversial nature. Serves on committees and panels and represents the Region at conferences on national, inter-agency, state and local levels. Makes commitments pertaining to the programs of the Office on behalf of the Regional Administrator. Maintains close liaison with other EPA Regions for the purpose of coordinating technical matters that cross regional boundaries and ensures integration and coordination with states and local programs. At the Regional level, represents the Agency at conferences with professional societies, educational institutes and industry representatives. Delivers speeches to both public and private organizations and groups outlining objectives and accomplishments of assigned programs.

6. Management Integrity and Resource Management: Assures organizational planning, budgeting, extramural resource management (management of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and interagency agreements), and financial accountability reflect the basic principles of the doing the “right things right” and conform to Agency and Federal regulations. Leads reform in work processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness and makes decisions based on data and facts. Maximizes the Agency’s return on resources. Demonstrates knowledge of the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act in order to ensure effective program management and accountability for results. Implements resource management improvements in support of the Deputy Regional Administrator and the Senior Resource Official (SRO).

Ensures that extramural resources, both procurement (contracts) and assistance (grants, cooperative agreements, and interagency agreements) are efficiently and appropriately managed to maximize use of the Agency’s resources. Ensures that managers of these resources comply with regulatory requirements and the Agency’s policies and procedures, and that they develop competencies in their extramural resource management staff. Ensures controls are in place to guard against improper procurement practices such as contracting for personal services, inherently Governmental functions, and directed subcontracting.

Demonstrates leadership and commitment to management integrity as a top priority in the organization consistent with the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act. Oversees the development, assessment, and improvement of management control systems to safeguard programs and achieve mission results, including training and certification of personnel involved in extramural resource management. Takes timely corrective action on all identified management control weaknesses. May participate, when needed, in the Administrator’s Senior Leadership Council and provides leadership in detecting emerging weaknesses in control systems. Supports a full disclosure policy for the organization that provides early detection of emerging control issues.

7. Program Control: Directs the action involved in tracking and evaluating the work of the Office. Establishes Regional program tracking and information systems and is responsible for input to various EPA accountability systems and tracking systems. Evaluates existing policies, projects and procedures by reviewing reports, conducting field visits, performing periodic or special studies; studying complaints from interested persons or groups; and studying evaluation reports prepared by other agencies and organizations. Based upon analysis of trends and problems ahead, directs and/or recommends the development of new or modified methods, policies, standards, procedures, projects or the initiation of enforcement actions in order to achieve the highest possible level of positive enforcement results.

8. Program Forecasting: Accomplishes or directs the actions involved in determining the effect on the Office’s programs of proposed or enacted federal or state legislation, new or proposed program requirements, new or improved technology, emergency situations, court decision and other developments. Initiates program plan to implement the effects of these forecasts.

9. Program Management: Supervises a large group of EPA employees organized into appropriate and efficient work units. Plans for staff development including the assessment of training needs and performs supervisory duties involving the establishment and filling of positions, the promotion and assignment of personnel, the provision of employee relations services, the taking of disciplinary and other actions, and the administration of human resources management, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action programs. Is responsible for taking appropriate steps to maintain positive employee morale and a cooperative work atmosphere.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

You must have one year of specialized experience at a level close to the work of this job that has given you the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform. Typically we could find this experience in work within this field or a field that is closely related.

As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior level management capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications listed.

You will be evaluated on the following Executive Core Qualifications. Please provide a narrative not to exceed two pages per ECQ and not more than 10 pages.

ES-0340 series: You must have substantive general experience which provides knowledge of the principles of organization, management, and administration; and substantive (operating, administrative, or managerial) experience in a type of work, or a combination of functions directly related to this position.

1. If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.

Current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees are not required to address the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Unless you are currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service SES appointment, you are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed a SES Career Development Program approved by OPM, you must submit a narrative statement covering each of the Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications questions in order to receive consideration for the position. Additional information on the proper preparation of Executive Core Qualification statements is available by going to the Office of Personnel Management's web site at http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2010.pdf

When responding to the Mandatory Technical and/or Desirable Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications, you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses in which you detail your experience in each of the Technical and/or Desirable Qualifications and the Executive Core Qualifications. Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts. You should limit your narrative to two pages per Executive Core Qualifications, and not more than 10 pages total. Technical Mandatory and/or Desirable factors should be limited to no more than two pages for each factor. The Ethics in Government Act, PL 95-521 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a financial disclosure statement, SF-278, prior to assuming the SES position, annually, and upon termination of employment.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

You must provide specific examples of your education, experience, training and awards in the manner and order instructed below which are applicable to each: (A) Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), (B) Technical Qualifications (TQs), and (C) Desirable Qualifications (DQs). Response to the five ECQs and TQs is mandatory. Failure to address the ECQs and the TQs will result in your application being disqualified. Addressing the DQs is optional; however, not addressing them will impact your rating. All five ECQs must be addressed in a supplemental statement of your application.Your response should be clear and concise and show a level of accomplishment and a degree of responsibility. In addition, your responses should highlight your experience, training, and achievements in conjunction with the resume that you provide. Additional information on the ECQs is available at http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/ecq.asp

Applicants are encouraged to follow the Challenge, Context, Action, and Result model outlined in the guide. You will be evaluated on the following: Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs), and any Desirable Qualifications (DQs). Failure to address the ECQ and TQ factors will result in your application being disqualified for further consideration. Addressing the DQs are optional, however, failure to do so will impact your rating score.

A. Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)- Mandatory

ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. Leadership Competencies: 1. Creativity and Innovation - Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting edge programs/processes. 2. External Awareness -Understands and keeps up-to-date on local, national, and international policies and trends that affect the organization and shape stakeholders' views; is aware of the organization's impact on the external environment. 3. Flexibility - Is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles. 4. Resilience - Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks. 5. Strategic Thinking - Formulates objectives and priorities, and implements plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization in a global environment. Capitalizes on opportunities and manages risks. 6. Vision - Takes a long-term view and builds a shared vision with others; acts as a catalyst for organizational change. Influences others to translate vision into action.

ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE. This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. Leadership Competencies: 1. Conflict Management - Encourages creative tension and differences of opinions. Anticipates and takes steps to prevent counter-productive confrontations. Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner. 2. Leveraging Diversity - Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization. 3. Developing Others (New) - Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing ongoing feedback and by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods. 4. Team Building - Inspires and fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust. Facilitates cooperation and motivates team members to accomplish group goals.

ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS. This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. Leadership Competencies: 1. Partnering - Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals. 2. Political Savvy - Identifies the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization. Perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly. 3. Influencing/Negotiating - Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals.

Fundamental Competencies. These competencies are the foundation for success in each of the Executive Core Qualifications. Competencies: 1. Interpersonal Skills - Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations. 2. Oral Communication - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. 3. Integrity/Honesty - Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner. Shows consistency in words and actions. Models high standards of ethics. 4. Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. 5. Continual Learning - Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses; pursues self-development. 6. Public Service Motivation - Shows a commitment to serve the public. Ensures that actions meet public needs; aligns organizational objectives and practices with public interests.

B. Technical Qualifications (TQs) -- Mandatory(Note: Failure to address these factors will result in your application being disqualified.) Narrative responses to the Technical Qualifications should not be more than two pages for each. All TQs must be addressed in a supplemental statement of your application.

TQ1. Demonstrated experience leading and managing a complex portfolio of regulatory, technical, and policy work in a large, multi-disciplinary organization that includes scietific, technical, and administrative personnel.

TQ2. Demonstrated experience implementing federal government requirements, policies, and financial assistance programs for tribes, state, and local governments related to one or more of the following statutes: the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the Safe Drinking Water Act; and the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act.

TQ3. Experience which demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate complex and sensitive policy issues, both orally and in writing.

C. Desirable Qualifications (DQs) - Optional (Note: Addressing the Desirable Qualifications is optional; however, not addressing them will impact your rating.) Narrative responses to the Desirable Qualifications should not be more than two pages for each. All DQs must be addressed in a supplemental statement of your application.

DQ1. Demonstrated experience building relationships and dealing effectively with high-level officials in Congress, federal, tribal, state and/or local government, public interest groups, industry, and the general public.

BENEFITS:

Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The following Web addresses are provided for your reference to explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees. To find out more visit Benefits. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees are not required to address the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).

Unless you are currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed a SES Career Development Program approved by OPM), you must submit a narrative statement covering each of the Executive Core Qualifications,Technical Qualifications and Desirable Qualifications questions in order to receive consideration for the position. Addressing the Desirable Qualifications is optional; however, not addressing them will impact your ratiing. Additional information on the proper preparation of Executive Core Qualification statements is available by going to the Office of Personnel Management's web site at http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2010.pdf

When responding to the Mandatory Technical and/or Desirable Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications, you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses in which you detail your experience in each of the Technical and/or Desirable Qualifications and the Executive Core Qualifications.

Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts. You should limit your narrative to two pages per Executive Core Qualifications, and not more than 10 pages total. Technical Mandatory and/or Desirable factors should be limited to no more than two pages apiece.

The Ethics in Government Act, PL 95-521 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a financial disclosure statement, SF-278, prior to assuming the SES position, annually, and upon termination of employment.

You must complete 1-year SES probation period, if not previously completed.

If you are a male and hired, and if you were born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.

All Federal employees are required by P.L. 104-134 to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Senior Executives are required to comply with the provisions of the Ethics in Government Act and must submit a financial disclosure statement, SF-278, upon assuming the position, annually, and upon termination of employment.

TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION AND RELOCATION: In accordance with Federal and Agency travel regulations, the candidate selected for this position will not be reimbursed for travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty to this position. Position involves travel.

TELEWORK/FLEXIPLACE: This position has some portable work; therefore, the selectee may be eligible for episodic telework.

Background and/or Security Investigation required.

Position involves travel.

HOW TO APPLY:

You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position. You must provide specific examples of your education, experience, training and awards in the manner and order instructed below which are applicable to each: (A) Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), (B) Technical Qualifications (TQs), and (c) Desirable Qualifications (DQs).

Response to the five ECQs and TQs is mandatory. Failure to address the ECQs and TQs will result in your application being disqualified. Addressing the Desirable Qualifications (DQs) is optional however, not addressing them will impact your rating. All five ECQs must be addressed in a supplemental statement of our application.

Your response should be clear and concise and show a level of accomplishment and a degree of responsibility. In addition, your responses should highlight your experience, training, and achievements in conjunction with the OF-612 or resume that you provide. Additional information on the ECQs is available at http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/ecq.asp.

To begin the application process, click the Apply On-line button to the right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the assessment questionnaire.

To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date of this announcement. All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USA Jobs document portfolio feature.

If you cannot apply on-line, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed for assistance no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the closing date of this announcement. For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to http://www.epa.gov/careers/evapr.html

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees are not required to address the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Unless you are currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed a SES Career Development Program approved by OPM), you must submit a narrative statement covering each of the Executive Core Qualifications, Technical Qualifications and Desirable Qualifications questions in order to receive consideration for the position.

When responding to the Mandatory Technical and Executive Core Qualifications, you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses in which you detail your experience in each of the Technical Qualifications and the Executive Core Qualifications. Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts.

You should limit your narrative to two pages per Executive Core Qualifications, and not more than 10 pages total. Technical Mandatory and/or Desirable factors should be limited to no more than two pages apiece. The Ethics in Government Act, PL 95-521 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a financial disclosure statement, SF-278, prior to assuming the SES position, annually, and upon termination of employment.

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, responses to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs), and any supporting documentation.

You will be notified of the status of your application after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package.

If your application meets the basic qualifications, it will then be forwarded to a three member Rating Panel consisting of SES career members here at EPA for further review. The Rating Panel decides which Best Qualified applicants will be forwarded to the Selecting Official to make a selection. Interviews are arranged through the Selecting Official.

If your application is not forwarded to the Rating Panel, you will be notified of the outcome of your application. You may call the Executive Resources Division on 564-0394 to get the status of your application.